Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos has stated that Lionel Messi will decide his own playing schedule following the death of his father, emphasising that ‘silence, calm and peace’ are currently best for the Argentine star.
Hoyos declined to confirm whether Messi would feature in the upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) match against Nashville on Saturday.
Messi returned to the field during Inter Miami’s 3-2 defeat to Leon in the Leagues Cup on Wednesday. He was not in the starting line-up but was brought on as a substitute in the second half, with Inter Miami leading 1-0 at half-time. Messi had attended a private memorial service in Rosario after his father, Jorge Messi, aged 68, passed away at a hospital in Rosario on Saturday. Jorge’s death occurred earlier the same week.
Speaking ahead of the MLS fixture against Nashville, Hoyos told Goal.com, “I think Leo’s situation needs to keep developing little by little because there’s a lot of pain there. This is not something that happens from one day to the next. So I think silence, calm and peace are what’s best, and for him to find his own moments.” The club is managing Messi’s return to action carefully to allow him time to grieve with his family.
Hoyos also expressed admiration for Messi, describing him as a “wonderful human being with a wonderful family.” He added, “We have to support him always within that silence, which for me is an ally so he can come out of this. But he truly is a wonderful human being with a wonderful family. I want to make that very clear, because people like that aren’t common in this world.”
Following the match against Nashville, Inter Miami will face the Philadelphia Union on August 19, host Toronto FC on August 22, and play CF Montreal on August 29. These matches are significant for Inter Miami’s pursuit of the Supporters’ Shield and their position at the top of the MLS standings.
Currently, Inter Miami occupies second place with 38 points from 18 games, including 11 wins, five draws and two losses. They trail Nashville, who have 40 points from 12 wins, four draws and two losses in 18 games.